But there's something strange here. Zabriskie wasn't involved in a nightclub shooting. He didn't bankroll any illegal dog fights or steal sports memorabilia out of a hotel.

In fact, all the Salt Lake City native has done is give free bikes to underprivileged kids.

For the second year, Zabriskie and Bikes for Kids Utah are giving away 1,000 bikes to underprivileged kids. On Oct. 6 at the Intermountain Health Care parking lot (201 East, 5900 South in Murray), the lucky second-graders will receive their bikes.

The recipients were pre-selected from the Boys & Girls Club in Salt Lake, Weber, Davis, Murray and Utah counties.

Also receiving bikes are elementary students from San Juan School District and other Utah elementary schools.

There are two reasons the kids were pre-selected.

"Last year, we had people show up looking for free bikes. So we made a point this year of pre-qualifying the kids, so that wouldn't happen again," according to Debbie Reid, founder and director of Bikes for Kids Utah.

Pre-qualifying the kids also helped make sure the bikes went to kids in need.

"We only give bikes away to kids with supportive parents with financial difficulties," Reid said.

Bikes for Kids Utah was formed in 2006 as a way of making sure kids from such homes were given the opportunity to participate in a healthy, eco-friendly activity. Zabriskie became involved early in its inception.

"After I founded the organization, we were approached by Dave about another project. We told him about our idea and he jumped on it," Reid said.

While Zabriskie's schedule keeps him out of the country for most of the year, his limited participation helps make the program possible.

Concurrent to the bike giveaway, there will be several fundraising rides, including a ride with Zabriskie.

Prices for the events begin at $20 per child and $50 per adult.

The top donors - contributing $1,000 or more - will participate in the Zabriskie ride. There's also an Oct. 5 dinner and auction at Hidden Valley Country Club, with plates $100.

Because of Zabriskie's participation, "this is our only fundraiser for the year," Reid said.

If you love biking but don't have $1,000, Zabriskie's charity, Yield to Life, offers another option.

A $25 donation enters you in a lottery, where winners will have their ride times compared against Zabriskie's on the famed Traverse Ridge on South Mountain.

Whether you spend $1,000 or just show up at the giveaway to see the looks on the childrens' faces, Bikes for Kids Utah is helping the entire valley.

"All extra money goes to improve bike paths and bike projects in Salt Lake, so 100 percent of the money raised stays in the community," Reid said.

No arrest reports, no televised trials and free bikes for underprivileged kids.

Not bad for a pro athlete.

In short

* Former Utah resident Dave Zabriskie is coming back to give away 1,000 bikes through the Boys & Girls Club.

* For more information about the bike giveaway or ride prices, visit

www.bikesforkids utah.com.